Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Genome-wide RNAi Screening to Identify Host Factors That Modulate Oncolytic Virus Therapy
08:51

Genome-wide RNAi Screening to Identify Host Factors That Modulate Oncolytic Virus Therapy

Published on: April 3, 2018

Screening for genetic abnormalities involved in ovarian carcinogenesis using retroviral expression libraries

Tomoaki Wada1, Yoshihiro Yamashita, Yasushi Saga

  • 1Division of Functional Genomics, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan.

International Journal of Oncology
|September 30, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Researchers screened ovarian cancer cell lines for genes driving cancer, identifying key players like NRAS. A specific mutation in NRAS confirmed its role in transforming cells, paving the way for targeted therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Ovarian cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women.
  • Developing effective molecular-targeted therapies requires identifying key genes in carcinogenesis.
  • Understanding the genetic basis of ovarian cancer is crucial for therapeutic advancements.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To screen for genes involved in ovarian carcinogenesis.
  • To identify potential molecular targets for ovarian cancer therapy.
  • To investigate the role of specific genetic alterations in cancer development.

Main Methods:

  • Construction of retroviral expression libraries from human ovarian cancer cell lines (SHIN-3 and TYK-CPr).
  • Performance of focus formation assays using 3T3 cells to identify transforming genes.
  • Genetic analysis of identified genes, including sequencing and mutation identification.
  • Functional validation of identified mutations through gene expression in fibroblasts.

Main Results:

  • Identification of proteasome subunit beta-type 2 (PSMB2), ubiquitin-specific protease 14 (USP14), and keratin 8 (KRT8) from SHIN-3 cells.
  • Identification of polymerase II RNA subunit (POLR2E), chaperonin containing T-complex polypeptide 1 subunit 4 (CCT4), glia maturation factor beta (GMFB), and neuroblastoma ras viral oncogene homolog (NRAS) from TYK-CPr cells.
  • A specific mutation (CAA → AAA substitution at codon 61) was found in the NRAS gene, leading to an amino acid change (Glu → Lys at position 61).
  • Expression of the mutant NRAS in fibroblasts resulted in the formation of transformed foci, confirming its oncogenic potential.

Conclusions:

  • Several genes, including NRAS, PSMB2, USP14, KRT8, POLR2E, CCT4, and GMFB, are implicated in ovarian carcinogenesis.
  • The identified NRAS mutation exhibits transforming ability, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target.
  • These findings contribute to the development of novel molecular-targeted therapies for ovarian cancer.

More Related Videos

Testing Targeted Therapies in Cancer using Structural DNA Alteration Analysis and Patient-Derived Xenografts10:27

Testing Targeted Therapies in Cancer using Structural DNA Alteration Analysis and Patient-Derived Xenografts

Published on: July 25, 2020

Genetic Profiling and Genome-Scale Dropout Screening to Identify Therapeutic Targets in Mouse Models of Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor09:33

Genetic Profiling and Genome-Scale Dropout Screening to Identify Therapeutic Targets in Mouse Models of Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor

Published on: August 25, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Genetic Screens02:46

Genetic Screens

Genetic screens are tools used to identify genes and mutations responsible for phenotypes of interest. Genetic screens help identify individuals or a group of people at risk of developing  genetic diseases and help them with early intervention, targeted therapy, and reproductive options.
Forward genetic screens
Forward or “classical” genetic screens involve creating random mutations in an organism’s DNA using radiation, mutagens, or insertion of additional bases, which result in visible changes...
Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers01:51

Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers

Retroviruses are RNA viruses that have been shown to cause cancers in diverse species, including chickens, mice, cats, and monkeys. The RNA genomes of these viruses are first reverse-transcribed into single and then double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) copies. This dsDNA called proviral DNA then integrates into the host genome. Subsequently, the host cell transcribes the proviral DNA in concert with the chromosomal DNA. This leads to the production of viral RNA and proteins that assemble at the host...